Literary notes about enjoy (AI summary)
The word enjoy functions as a multifaceted term in literature, capturing everything from defiant liberation to the pursuit of everyday pleasure. Authors deploy it to signify not only the relish of bodily or sensual delights, as in moments of unburdened self-indulgence ([1], [2]), but also to evoke deeper, often spiritual experiences, such as the joy of being among angels or achieving inner peace ([3], [4]). At times, it conveys an ironic twist on societal privileges or the bittersweet nature of experience, echoing through political or satirical reflections ([5], [6]). Even in expressions of restrained or conflicted sentiment, enjoy marks an assertion of agency—a way for characters to claim moments of happiness amid life’s challenges ([7], [8]).
- Leaving her sister to her own devices, Amy proceeded to enjoy herself to her heart's content.
— from Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Louisa May Alcott - "Miss Eliott is a very sweet girl, and seemed to enjoy herself, I thought," observed Beth, with unusual warmth.
— from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott - But thou art exalted to the kingdom of heaven, and dost enjoy the company of angels and martyrs!"
— from The Moors in Spain by Stanley Lane-Poole - I have often said unto thee, and now again I say the same, Forsake thyself, resign thyself, and thou shalt enjoy much inward peace….
— from The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot - Those merchants and manufacturers enjoy a sort of monopoly in the country which is so indulgent to them.
— from An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith - "Enjoy thine own bright life in the fresh air.
— from Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen by H. C. Andersen - To enjoy this, no need to submit myself ingloriously and with ignominy to the State and People of Florence!
— from The Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri: The Inferno by Dante Alighieri - As he put in his studs he realized that he was enjoying life as he would probably never enjoy it again.
— from This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald